One possible explanation for the lack of a strong correlation between spinal cord atrophy and clinical disability in this study is that variations in baseline (presymptomatic) spinal cord volumes could obscure such relationships in a cross-sectional study. We predict that a longitudinal study of spinal cord volumes is more likely to demonstrate correlations between atrophy and disability. In summary, spinal cord volume quantification from 3D MR images detects cervical and thoracic spinal cord atrophy in subjects with HAM/TSP and shows promise as a clinically relevant tool in for quantifying the extent of spinal cord involvement Apoptosis inhibitor in HAM/TSP.

Longitudinal studies are needed to adequately assess whether spinal cord volume loss correlates with disability in HAM/TSP and monitoring of disease progression. The learn more 3D MR imaging spinal cord volume quantification technique may be applicable in other progressive neurologic diseases that involve the spinal cord such as primary progressive multiple sclerosis. This study was supported

by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health. “
“Stroke is one of the most feared complications after cardiac catheterization. Endovascular treatment combining mechanical and pharmacological therapy has been reported as an effective treatment option in selected patients with acute stroke due to large-vessel occlusion. Little is known about safety and clinical outcome when this approach is utilized in cardiac

catheterization associated strokes. We analyzed clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes in the endovascular acute stroke see more treatment databases from two University Hospitals from July 2006 to December 2008 (Cleveland Clinic Foundation) and September 1999 and December 2008 (UPMC Presbyterian hospital), respectively. Of a total of 419 acute stroke interventions, 14 (3.34%) were identified as strokes during or immediately after cardiac catheterization. The mean age was 71 ± 7 years; eight were women (57.1%). Mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was 17 (±7.6). Four patients underwent intravenous thrombolysis followed by intraarterial intervention. Median time to treatment was 240 minutes from last time seen normal (range 66-1,365 minutes). Seven patients (50%) had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]≤ 2). In-patient mortality was 42%. In acute strokes following cardiac catheterization, multimodal endovascular therapy is safe and feasible and despite a high mortality is associated with a higher than expected rate of favorable outcomes compared to the natural history of the disease. Despite a significant proportion of patients developing symptoms in hospitals where neurointerventions are available, the median time to treatment was longer than expected. Future efforts should focus on faster implementation of recanalization therapies for this form of acute stroke.